The ontology of desire is a philosophical concept that explores the nature of desire and its relationship to reality. It asks fundamental questions such as whether desire is real or illusory, subjective or objective, transcendent or immanent, natural or artificial, physical or mental, and so forth. When we talk about desire, there are several aspects that come into play. Desire can be seen as an expression of willpower, an impulse from within, a longing for something outside ourselves, a motivation, an emotional state, or simply a need.
In many religions and spiritual traditions, desire has been condemned because it is considered a distraction from the true purpose of life and a temptation that leads us astray.
Buddhists believe that attachment causes suffering, which can be overcome through detachment and non-attachment. In Christianity, desire is viewed as sinful and leads to lust and greed. Yet, desire is also spiritually yearned for because it points towards something beyond oneself and can lead one closer to God. In Hinduism, the Upanishads describe the union between Shiva and Shakti as a form of divine love and intimacy that represents the highest form of existence. This suggests that desire is not necessarily bad but needs to be channeled in the right direction.
When it comes to sex and sexuality, desire plays a central role. Eroticism and intimacy are often driven by desire, which can manifest itself in different ways: physical attraction, sexual urges, emotional connection, sensual exploration, and more.
When unchecked, desire can become addictive and destructive. Some people may overindulge in their desires without considering the consequences, while others may suppress them altogether out of fear or shame.
Despite its mixed status, desire remains fundamental to human experience. It provides a sense of meaning and purpose in life and gives rise to creativity, innovation, and change. Without desire, we would lack motivation, passion, and drive. At the same time, desire can be problematic if it becomes excessive or misdirected, leading to violence, exploitation, and abuse. Therefore, understanding the nature of desire requires careful reflection and self-awareness.
Desire has both positive and negative aspects that need to be balanced. We must learn to recognize and manage our desires responsibly so they do not cause harm but also harness them for personal growth and fulfillment.
The ontological status of desire is complex and multifaceted, and it depends on how we choose to engage with it.
What is the ontological status of desire when it is simultaneously condemned and spiritually yearned for?
One can view desire as an innate human tendency that transcends any specific cultural norms or values, despite being condemned by some religious or moral systems. On the other hand, many spiritual traditions regard desire as an obstacle to enlightenment and seek to control or eliminate it altogether.